How to Rest Following a Concussion

A concussion is difficult to directly treat, so medical health professionals emphasize symptom management and rest as the best ways to manage post-concussion discomfort. Unless the concussion is mild, with symptoms that disappear completely within a few minutes following the injury, it is strongly advised that you seek medical attention.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Physician

Treat a Concussion With Rest

1. Avoid loud noise and bright light if your concussion symptoms continue in the days after the head trauma was first suffered. Confine yourself to a cool, soundproof room that has an effective means of blocking out natural light.

2. Limit your physical activity to simple things like walking or performing everyday household tasks until all your symptoms go away permanently.

3. Refrain from excessive consumption of alcohol and illicit drugs. The only exception might be the use of medicinal marijuana, which can be prescribed in some states as an alternative therapy for headaches.

4. Sleep as much as you can. However, be aware that many people suffering from post-concussion syndrome (PCS) report insomnia or sleep disruptions among their symptoms. Talk to a doctor if you're considering the use of supplemental sleep aids to help you get the required amount of shut-eye.

5. Keep off your feet for a good portion of the day. Since rest is the only universally accepted treatment for PCS, you'll need to spend as much of your day as possible in a relatively dormant state.

6. Check in with your doctor regularly, so he can monitor your progress. While you will usually have to undergo no more than routine physical examinations, computed topography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) work may be done to see if there is any physical damage to your brain.

7. Report all unusual or severe symptoms to your health care professional immediately. If your health insurance coverage provides for it, consider getting a referral to a neurology specialist to supplement care from your primary physician.

8. Don't forget that depression-like symptoms often accompany PCS. If you experience these, you may want to consider seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist to get a prescription for an anti-depressant. Since even relatively mild head injuries can lead to lingering concussion symptoms, tell your doctor about any head trauma you have suffered if you experience depression-like symptoms.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid using aspirin to treat any headaches that develop following a concussion. Instead, use ibuprofen or acetaminophen--overall, they're safer.
• Do not return to work or participate in sports, especially contact sports, following a concussion until a physician has told you it is safe to do so.

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